The Quarantine Diaries: Day 7-14.

I went to the post office in the morning, even though I was feeling nervous to go. When I arrived, the kiosk wasn’t available to use, so I had to get in line. There were signs instructing people to follow CDC guidelines and stand six feet apart. There was only one person in front of me, so I was able to get in and out quickly, but I was really paranoid. Every time I do leave my house (this was the second time I left), I get more and more worried that I’ll catch it.

Day 8: Sunday, March 22, 2020

I straightened things up around the apartment. Because I was supposed to be leaving for Iceland the next day, I’d already pushed off client work and intended to just take a staycation. I needed a break. All day, I heard a loud bass sound… so loud it was vibrating my floor. At first, I thought it was coming from a car parked outside, but… eight hours of it, I went looking for the source. I walked downstairs and listened at my neighbors’ front door like a psycho, but could tell it was coming from them. I went back upstairs and stomped with my heels as loud as possible and the bass immediately stopped.

Day 9: Monday, March 23, 2020

My first day of staycation. I feel sad that I’m not getting on a plane to Iceland today. But, around 3pm I got a text that said Iceland had officially closed its borders — if we would have followed through with the trip, I would have been stuck in Chicago. Instead, I read an entire book and took a yoga class.

Day 10: Tuesday, March 24, 2020

My takeout order from the Peached TortillaIt’s the Great American Takeout and I feel like supporting a local restaurant. So many different places in Austin are putting together packages and large meals to-go, which is perfect for this time! I ordered a family meal from the Peached Tortilla: salad, fried rice, roasted Brussels sprouts and spicy margaritas. All of the money went toward employees and it makes me feel good to support them.

I took a barre class and used canned beans as weights — definitely going to feel sore tomorrow. An order of books from a local store in Georgia arrived today and it made me so happy. I’m thankful I can support businesses I care about and have items safely delivered to my doorstep. Plus, I love getting new books!

Day 11: Wednesday, March 25, 2020

My list of Quarantine readsI finished reading another book. I searched to see what movies were showing this week and recorded several that I thought might lift my spirits: “Bridesmaids”, “D3” and “Little”. I also placed an order for delivery from a vegan bakery: bagels, cream cheese and cupcakes. It should arrive this weekend.

When I laid down to watch “The Daily Show”, I think a lot of this finally hit me. Of course, I’ve been self-isolating for awhile now and when I have gone out, I’ve kept my distance and washed my hands… but seeing them do the show in Trevor Noah’s living room and he’s interviewing people via FaceTime and those people are in their living rooms… it’s all just so different and weird and… who knows when this will go back to how things were.

Day 12: Thursday, March 26, 2020

Candy before noon. Quarantine life.Feeling slightly motivated today. I did a little bit of work, ran the dishwasher and did a load of laundry. But I also told myself that as soon as I didn’t feel motivated, I wasn’t going to push myself. At the beginning of the week, I made a list of IDEAS of things I could do during this week, but put no pressure on myself to do them. I got a few things done, but I also realized that I’m in this for the long game and I will have plenty of time to get things done. President Trump has said this week that he hopes people will pack churches on Easter, but I will be following the CDC guidelines and self-isolating until May 15 (or until further notice).

Day 13: Friday, March 27, 2020

Felt severely unmotivated today, and managed to convince myself that I actually had Coronavirus. But, I have been taking my temperature every day and have not had a fever. I laid on my couch for most of the day, reading and watching Hallmark Christmas movies. I took a sleep aid before bed, and finally got a solid night of sleep.

Day 14: Saturday, March 28, 2020

Blanche settling in for a nap.Felt much more refreshed when I woke up today and had the energy to get some writing done. My bakery delivery arrived around 11 and everything looks so delicious! I haven’t been to the grocery store in two weeks, and I still have enough food for another few weeks, but I feel like I should probably go to the store this week sometime. I am scared that the longer I wait, the amount of people sick is going to increase and my risk of getting it will be higher. So, I made a grocery list with the intention of going later in the week.

More Quarantine Diaries to come soon. Please note that I am not a doctor, health expert, or experienced in quarantine or self-isolation in any way. I am only reporting my daily experience while living during a public health crisis.

The Squeeze

The Bitter Lemon is home to Writer, Editor and Digital Strategist, Holly A. Phillips. She’s an obsessive dreamer, TV-addict, and a relentless creative, who owns an Etsy shop. She currently lives in Austin, Texas with her cat, Blanche Devereaux.